Australia in the 1910s

The wireless revolution

On 22 September 1918, Sydney received the first direct wireless message from Britain. The messages were sent between the prime minister and the navy minister (who was in Britain at the time for an Imperial Conference).

On 13 August 1919, a recording of 'God save the King' was transmitted by the Amalgamated Wireless Company, Sydney. Instantaneous voice transmissions from the other side of the world deepened Australian's sense of connection and patriotism with Britain as relations had come under a strain during the war.

A snapshot of 1918

January

The Australia Corps formed out of five separate Australian divisions fighting in France during the First World War.

April

A factory opened in Caulfield, Victoria, to manufacture artificial limbs for returned soldiers.

September

The first direct wireless message was transmitted from Britain to Australia.

November

On the '11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour', the Armistice between the Allies and Germany flagged the cessation of fighting on the Western Front.

Preferential voting was introduced for the first time in elections for the House of Representatives.

Two significant children's books were published: The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay and Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie: Their Wonderful Adventures by May Gibbs.